* To the reader who was bothered by A.J. Burnett’s $82 million Yankees contract and his lack of control [Sound Off: “Where’s the ball?” The Post and nypost.com, June 20]. Keep this in mind, even though Burnett might not know where his pitches are going, and his ERA is approaching 5.00, he has perfect control whenever he throws a pie in the face of one of his teammates.

NICHOLAS MAFFEI JR.

Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

* The Yankees have the highest paid player in the history of baseball, Alex Rodriguez. They have the highest paid pitcher in the history of baseball, CC Sabathia. And now they have the highest paid batting practice pitcher in the history of baseball, A.J. Burnett. A trifecta if I ever saw one.

ED KRAUSS

Scarsdale, N.Y.

Beautiful game

* The competitiveness of the World Cup demonstrates the strengthening of football globally. Undoubtedly the greatest game and indeed the simplest that the human race has yet devised, the beautiful game continues to flourish.

RYAN PADRAIG KELLY

Armagh City,

Northern Ireland

WAG of tricks?

* To American soccer player Landon Donovan: You know the real reason your estranged wife, Bianca Kajlich, is coming back. First, she knows if she doesn’t, you’ll be getting the babes now, after your game-winning goal against Algeria. And second, she wants the money you’ll be getting from all those endorsements!

ELLENA KRAMER

Manhattan

Angel in the outfield

* There is no big decision for Mets manager Jerry Manuel to make about Angel Pagan when Carlos Beltran returns from the disabled list. Pagan, the Mets’ most consistent clutch player, must stay in the lineup. The only decision for Manuel is whether and when Jeff Francoeur gets pulled for Beltran. Francoeur hasn’t produced half of what Pagan has this year, so he should get the hook when Beltran plays. I hope Francoeur will be a team player and go along with part-time duty.

MICHAEL J. GORMAN

Whitestone

Open and closed

* The U.S. Open was broadcast on NBC for 12 hours last Saturday and Sunday from Pebble Beach. There were fairway camera towers, satellite trucks, program directors, miles of television cable, TV blimps and expert commentary from every hole on the course. On the 18th hole, Graeme McDowell was standing over his putt for the win. But when McDowell sank his putt to win the U.S. Open Championship, NBC cameras were caught out of position and all viewers were able to see is his back. We never saw him putt the ball or the golf ball go in the hole. What a finish. Too bad millions of fans missed it live.

CARL DiMEDIO

The Bronx

Corny Island

* One of the benefits of the Mets having their own cable channel is occasionally getting to see a minor league game. But Monday night, watching new Cyclones manager Wally Backman and the rest of the club wearing psychedelic tie-dyed jerseys was surreal. I somehow don’t equate Brooklyn — or the gritty Backman (whom I’m betting will be aces with developing new talent and winning) — with the dawning of the Age of Aquarius!